st. michael the archangel hurch 502 west front street ......st. michael the archangel hurch 502 west...

St. Michael the Archangel Church 502 West Front Street

Monroe, Michigan 48161 www.stmichaelmonroe.com ~ (734) 241-8645

Historical sketch of our parish Church.

On 3rd July 1852, a group of families of recent German origin signed an indenture for the transfer of land

known as the Harleston property. This property was then, in that same year, deeded over to Peter Paul

Lefevere, Administrator of the Diocese of Detroit. The Ordinary, Bishop Frederic Rese, was living in

Germany.

Those early families were: Lang, Schaub, Brillman, Kirschner, Steiner, and Westerman. Since 1845, the

Redemptorist Simon Saenderl had been tending the German speaking families in a chapel dedicated to St.

Joseph on the second floor of St. Mary’s rectory. Saenderl was then sent as the pioneer priest to Hillsdale

and Lenawee Counties and Peter Kronenberg succeeded him at Monroe. Under the direction of Fr.

Kronenberg, the founding families bought property on Humphrey Street. However, when the home and

land of the city’s first Mayor, George B. Harleston, was up for sale, they bought it for $2000. On that

property stands, today, the Parish Church and Rectory of St. Michael the Archangel.

On the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Wednesday 29th September 1852, the Provincial of the

Redemptorists in America, Bernard Hafkenscheid, blessed the house which had been converted into a

church. Michael was chosen at the request of Michael Lauer, a local businessman and generous donor to

the early German parish.

From the beginning, two rooms in the house were set aside as school rooms for boys and on the first

Sunday of Lent, 25th February 1855, Sister Aloysius Walter, I.H.M., began religious instructions for girls.

Sister was one of the first members of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary founded in 1845

by the Belgium Redemptorist Louis Gillet. Sister Aloysius started a regular school for girls on 16th April 1855.

St. Michael the Archangel was the first mission of the I.H.M. community outside of St. Mary’s parish.

Three years after the foundation of St. Michael, the Redemptorists left Monroe. The priest Henry Rievers

came up from Erie Parish to minister in May 1855. The first resident pastor of Newport, John Van Gennip (a

Dutchman) began helping Fr. Rievers a month or so later. In 1859, Van Gennip was sent to Dexter and was

replaced at Monroe by Mary Paul Wehrle for one year. He was followed by the associate of St. Mary’s,

Desiderius Callaert, for a few months.

On 3rd May 1860, Julian Maciejewski arrived at St. Michael as the first officially named pastor. He died on

25th May 1861 and was buried at Mt. Elliot Cemetery in Detroit. The Associate of St. Mary’s, Remigius

VanDerHeyden, was to act as pastor until the arrival in November 1861 of Bernard C. Stentzel. Fr. Stentzel

was to remain as pastor for two years until he left the Diocese of Detroit. On 24th July 1863, Benjamin

Schmittdiel arrived as the new pastor and was to remain in the service of this parish for the next thirty-six

years.

Plans for a new church were begun with the purchasing of a set of plans and specifications that had been

used in the construction of the Cathedral of Fort Wayne, Indiana. John Wahl began work on the church in

1and the cornerstone was laid on 12th June 1866.

The church measures 60 by 145 feet and the gable is 100 feet above the ground; buttresses in the outer

walls support the roof. The total cost, excluding tower and bells was $30,000. On the feast of the Guardian

Angels, 2nd October 1867, the church was consecrated by Bishop J. H. Luers of Fort Wayne. Bishop Lefevere

was too ill to conduct the rites of consecration.

Pastors of St. Michael

Julian Maciejewski 1860-1861 Hugo Noetzel 1958 – 1971

Remigius VanDerHeyden 1861 Theodore Fujawa 1971 – 1980

Bernard C. Stentzel 1861 – 1863 Donald Kresmer 1980 – 1981

Benjamin Schmittdiel 1863 – 1899 Daniel Rebain 1981 – 1988

Charles G. Bolte 1899 – 1915 Jacob Samonie 1988 – 1995

Alphonse Bertele 1915 – 1947 Stephen Rooney 1995 – 2008

Bernard C. Loeher 1947 – 1949 Stephen L. Vileo 2008 – 2015

Stanley Fedewa 1949 – 1958 Philip Ching 2015 –

Ceiling Murals

Starting on Saint Joseph’s side of the Church.

The Betrothal of Joseph and Mary: Matthew 1: 18-25

The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary: Luke 1: 26-38

The Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth: Luke 1: 39-56

The Nativity of Christ the Lord: Luke 2: 1-20

The Flight into Egypt: Matthew 2: 13-15

The Presentation of The Child Jesus in the Temple: Luke 2: 22-38

The Child Jesus teaching the elders in the temple: Luke 2: 41-52

The Dormition of The Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin into Heaven

The Coronation of The Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth

The Stations of The Cross: In the Summer of 1923, Matthew Ising of St. Louis decorated St. Michael for the

sum of $5,500. The Stations were imported from the Tyrolese Art Company, Munich, Germany by the

Fredrick Pustet Co. The cost of installation was $2,425. The stations are carved in wood then dipped in

plaster to enable the artist to do the detail. The stained glass windows were donated, at the cost of $100

each, by sixteen individuals, including Father Schmittdiel. A replacement value of $971,388 was estimated

for the stained glass windows in 2015.

William Steiner donated two large, wood-burning furnaces that he built in his shop. They were considered

quite marvelous in their day.

Bells: Completion of the church spire on Thursday, August 16,

1883, suggested the addition of bells. The parish placed an

$1,800 order with the St. Louis Bell Foundry in late November

1884. Henry Struckstede cast the bells in December.

The bells weigh 4,000, 2,000, and 1,000 pounds and sound the

notes of lower C, E, and G, respectively. They arrived at the

church on Friday, January 2, 1885. With great care, they were

unloaded the following day and placed in front of the altar, just

outside of the communion rail, where they were exhibited for

all to see. On Sunday, January 11, 1885, Bishop Henry Borgess

presided over a ceremony to bless the three bells, named

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph” in honor of the holy family. Installation in the belfry on the second level of the

steeple began the next day.

D e p i c t i o n s i n S a i n t M i c h a e l

The Main Altar The main altar of our church displays the

crucified Christ upon his death. Pictured

to his right is the Mother of Jesus, Mary,

and to his left is St. John. Kneeling before

him is most likely Mary Magdalene. Of

course, this is the culmination of the event

which we hear in the Passion of Christ.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus; Mary

Magdalene, and St. John stood by Jesus

until the very end. Jesus’ dying words

were “Eli eli, lama sabachthani?” or “my

God, my God, why have you forsaken

me?” In this depiction of Christ, Jesus is

presumably dead, since his executioners

have already pierced his side to ensure he

had died.

St. Michael the Archangel is on Jesus’

right side and the left side is most likely

the Archangel Gabriel.

Crucifixion itself was a popular form of execution at the time of Jesus’ death. However, Constantine the Great - the

first Christian emperor of Rome - abolished the use of crucifixion in the Roman Empire in 377 AD, out of respect

for Christ. Crucifixion was not only a form of execution, but also humiliation; generally Christ is depicted wearing a

cloth, however, in common practice, the condemned were nude and crucifixions were done in very public places to

deter others from committing the same crimes - which is why “INRI” appears above Jesus, displaying the “crime”

he committed. INRI stands for the Latin of “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.” The cause of death for many

who are crucified is not necessarily the crucifixion itself. Jesus, as we believe, died within three hours. However,

some may take several days to die. Dehydration, infection from scourging, blood loss, and asphyxiation from

holding oneself up for such a long period are all possible causes of death. The image of the Cross has become the

symbol of Christianity.

The Last Supper is depicted below the tabernacle on the

main altar. The Last Supper is considered to be the first

celebration of Mass.


Hierarchy of the Angels The hierarchy of Angels in the Catholic tradition consists of 9 Choirs of Angels. (Angels are depicted both

on the main altar and on the cupola above the main altar)

Seraphim is the first, and highest, choir of angels. They are the caretakers of God’s throne and constantly shout his

praises, saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of host; all the earth is filled with His glory.” The name Seraphim means,

“the burning ones.” Each angel has 6 wings: 2 covering their faces, 2 covering their feet and 2 with which to fly.

Cherubim is the next choir of angels. They act as attendants of God, and guard places, such as the garden of Eden,

after Adam and Eve sin, and guard the throne of God. They each have four faces: a mean, an ox, a lion, and a griffon

(vulture).

Thrones follow Cherubim. They number around 70 and some fallen angels are among them. They are tied with the

steadfastness of God and God uses them to bring His justice on each of us. They are usually depicted as a wheel with

many eyes.

Dominions is the next choir of angels. They regulate the duties of the lower angels and

have little contact with humans. They are believed to look like divinely beautiful humans

with a pair of feathered wings, not unlike other angels, however they hold scepters and

orbs, which are emblems of their authority.

Virtues follow Dominions as the next choir of angels. They are depicted above the

Crucified Christ on the main altar. They were present when Jesus ascended into heaven.

They govern all nature, controlling the seasons, stars, the moon, and the sun, and they also work miracles on earth

and provide courage, grace and valor.

Powers follow Virtues, and they are the warrior angels that defend the World from demons. They are also bearers of

conscience and keepers of history.

Principalities are the next choir. They watch over leaders of humans - our presidents, kings, queens, congresses,

prime ministers, etc. to inspire them to make good decisions for humanity. They also inspire the arts and sciences.

Archangels follow Principalities and are probably the most well known

to Catholics. They are the messengers of God, and among them is St. Mi-

chael the Archangel– the namesake of our Parish. The Archangels include:

Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Rriel, Raguel, Seraqael, and Haniel. Gabriel

announces that Mary will be the mother of God at the Annunciation and

Michael slays the devil, as is depicted in several locations in St. Michael

Church.

Angels are the lowest, but most recognized order of angels. Satan - the

most famous fallen angel - was among this choir. These angels are the

most numerous and act as divine agents of God to execute judgment, lead,

protect, heal, and intercede to God on our behalf. Guardian angels fall in

this choir.

Gabriel (left)

and Michael

(right) are from

the Choir of

Archangels on

the left side of

the cupola.

Raphael (left)

and the Divine

Redeemer are

pictured on

the right side

of the cupola.


St. Joseph Altar

St. Joseph (center), was the husband of the Blessed

Virgin and foster father of Christ. Joseph’s lineage can

be traced back to King David. There is little

information about Joseph in the bible, and he is only

mentioned in the gospels of Matthew and Luke;

Joseph was believed to be a carpenter or artisan, and

since Mary is generally depicted as a widow during

Jesus’ adult ministries, Joseph is believed to have died

prior to this period. He is patron saint of fathers,

workers, and of a happy death. Also, in 1870, Pope

Pius IX declared him patron saint and protector of the Catholic Church. Two of his feast days are March 19th

Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary and May 1st Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker.

St. Anthony of Padua (right), was a Portuguese Franciscan Friar who lived from 1193 to 1231. In 1219, he

was named the hospitality director of his abbey in Lisbon, where he met five Franciscans who were traveling to

Morocco to preach to the Muslims there; he became interested in the simple lifestyle of these men. In early

1220, he received news that the five friars were martyred in Morocco and after contemplating their heroism, he

elected to join the Franciscan Order, leaving behind his lavish lifestyle. He traveled and preached through

much of Italy and Southern France until his death on June 13, 1231– which is his feast day- at the age of 36. He

is the patron saint of lost items, travelers and the Patron of Portugal. St. Anthony Church in Temperance is

dedicated to him.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga (left), was an Italian Jesuit who lived from 1568-1591. He was born in Northern Italy,

in what was known as the Papal States, to the illustrious House of Gonzaga. At a young age he took a private

vow of chastity and, against his family’s wishes, entered the Jesuit Order while he, and his family were in

Madrid, Spain. He rejected all property and status in society and dedicated his life to the service of others.

When the plague broke out in Rome in 1591, Aloysius volunteered at a Jesuit hospital and was exposed to the

virus, he died soon thereafter. He is depicted holding a lily, referring to his innocence and a cross, referring to

piety and sacrifice. Aloysius is patron of youth and his feast day is celebrated on June 21st - the day of his death.

St. Joachim (above St. Joseph’s Altar), was the husband of Anne and father of the

Blessed Virgin, Mary. Joachim and Anne are not mentioned in the Bible, however the

second Century apocryphal “Gospel of James,” tells the story of our Lady’s birth, which

is closely modeled after the birth of Samuel, in 1st Samuel. Joachim is believed to have

died just prior to the birth of Christ, and shares a July 26th feast day with Anne.


Our Lady’s Altar Mary of Nazareth, the Holy Mother of God (Center), was

born in Galilee to Joachim and Anne (who are depicted

above Mary and Joseph’s altars, respectively) around 20

B.C. Gabriel appeared to her at the Annunciation, asking

her to be the mother of Christ; this is depicted in the second

ceiling mural on the St. Joseph side of the sanctuary.

Mary’s life is shown in all ten of the ceiling murals from her

Betrothal to Joseph in the first, nearest St. Joseph’s altar to

the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Heaven

and Earth, nearest Our Lady’s altar. Mary can also be seen

dressed in black to the left of the crucified Christ on the

main altar and on the Fourth Station of the Cross, where Jesus Meets his Mother (on the eastern wall of the Church).

Mary has many feast days, but the most common is on January 1st, the feast of Mary, the Mother of God.

St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, (to the right of Our Lady) was born in the late third century in Rome. She was

martyred at age 12 or 13, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian on January 21, 304. Events surrounding her death are

blurred, but most accounts agree she refused to marry a nobleman’s son, and therefore was condemned to death.

However, Roman law did not condone the execution of virgins, so she was sent to a brothel, where she went unharmed,

through various miracles. She was eventually either stabbed to death or beheaded. Her name comes from the Latin word

for lamb, hence the lamb in her left hand and the palm branch in her right hand represents the triumph of her

martyrdom. She is one of only seven women mentioned in the Canon of the Mass and she is patron saint of chastity,

gardeners, engaged couples, rape victims and virgins. Her feast is celebrated on January 21st.

St. Helen (to the left of Our Lady), also known as Helena, she was the wife of Emperor Constantius and mother of

Emperor Constantine I, the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity. Constantius divorced Helena and exiled her

and Constantine in 289, however, upon Constantine Coronation in 306, he brought her back into public life. Helen

became a Christian in 313, and is responsible for establishing many Christian churches throughout the Roman Empire,

and she is credited with finding the relics of the True Cross near Calvary– which are believed to be the remnants of the

actual cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Constantine I gave her the honorary title of Augusta – female form of

Augustus, or Emperor, named after Caesar Augustus- in 325; she died in 330. Her sarcophagus can be found at the

Pio-Clementine Vatican Museum, which Pope Clement XIV founded in 1771. Her feast day is August 18th.

St. Anne (above Our Lady’s Altar), was the mother of the Blessed Virgin, and was from

Nazareth, the daughter of the Nomad, Akar. She married Joachim at age 20 and gave birth to

Mary at age 40. She is the patron saint of cabinetmakers, horseback riders, housewives, women

in labor, as well as patroness of many places including Canada. Duren in eastern Germany is a

place of pilgrimage for Anne since 1506 and the City of Santa Ana, California is named for her.

She and Joachim share a feast day on July 26th.

Eastern Arches


(Starting nearest St. Joseph’s Altar)

Patrick of Ireland, was born in 390 in the British region of the Roman Empire and was captured

at the age of 16 by Irish raiders, for whom he became a slave in Ireland. He grew to love Ireland,

however escaped to the European continent and was ordained a priest in France in 432. He

returned to Ireland and began to spread the Catholic faith. It is generally believed that he is the

reason the entire Island of Ireland in Christian. He is depicted as banishing all snakes from Ireland

and he used the Shamrock to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity, which is why the Shamrock is

now the symbol for St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick died in 461, and was buried at Downpatrick with

Brigit, and he is the Patron of Ireland, Nigeria, Boston, and engineers, among others. His feast day

is March 17th.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, not yet a saint when painted, was beatified by Pope John Paul II on

October 19, 2003, and canonized by Pope Francis on September 6, 2016. Born Gonxha (Agnes)

Bojaxhiu in the former Ottoman Empire/Yugoslavia in 1910, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in

Ireland to learn English, which she could use to teach children in India. She then went to India in

1929, and in 1937 she took her vows, and began teaching in Calcutta. In the late 1940s, she left

the Sisters of Loreto and began her missionary work, serving the sick and dying in the Calcutta

slums, where she became known as Mother Teresa. In 1950, she received permission from the

Vatican to form the Missionaries of Charity, which opened many hospices, homeless youth

homes, and other centers to care for the underprivileged, sick and dying. In the 1980s, Teresa

began working with organizations, such as the Red Cross, to help victims of disasters, such as the

Siege of Beirut, victims of the Chernobyl Accident, and earthquakes. By 1996, she had over 500

missions in 100 countries, including several in underprivileged neighborhoods in the United

States. She suffered 2 heart attacks, including one while she was visiting Pope John Paul II, and voluntarily stepped

down as head of Missions of Charity in March, 1997. She died six months later. She is recognized across the world

for her charity, including Mother Teresa International Airport in Albania and the “Mother Express” train in India,

as well as several churches and schools.

Cardinal Joseph Bernadin, who died at the age of 68 in 1996, was Cardinal Archbishop of

Chicago, followed in the footsteps of Cardinal Dearden, which is why they are painted on arches

directly across from each other in the sanctuary. Cardinal Bernadin was a supporter of Vatican

Council II reforms, as was Cardinal Dearden. He was installed on August 25, 1982, as Archbishop

of Chicago, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious Archdiocese in the United States.

He was elevated to cardinal in 1983, and served as President of the National Conference of Catholic

Bishops. He began to suffer from pancreatic cancer in 1995, and traveled to Rome to visit with

Pope John Paul II, on two separate occasions. Shortly before his death, President Bill Clinton

presented him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He died November 14, 1996. He has not yet

been beatified.


Eastern Arches continued

Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Dr. Edith Stein), was born to a German-Jewish

family in 1891. During her teenage years, she was an atheist. However, after reading St.

Teresa of Avila’s autobiography at age 21, she converted to Catholicism. She began

teaching philosophical classes at various universities, however anti-Semitic legislation

passed by the Nazi government required her to resign. In 1933, she wrote a personal

letter to Pope Pius XI, asking him to denounce the Nazi regime, which went unanswered.

Also in 1933, she entered a Carmelite monastery, where she continued her philosophical

writings. As the Nazi forces became more threatening, she transferred to another

Carmelite Monastery in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Teresa, however, was not safe in the

Netherlands, and all Jewish converts to Christianity were rounded up and taken to

Auschwitz. She died in a gas chamber on August 9, 1942, at the age of 50, with her sister,

Rosa, also a convert to Catholicism. Her depiction shows her wearing the traditional

garments of a Carmelite nun, but also the Star of David, which all Jews were required to

wear under Nazi-rule. She is patron saint of Europe, martyrs, and World Youth Day. She

was canonized in 1998, by Pope John Paul II and her feast day is August 9th.

Catherine of Siena was a member of the Order of St. Dominic. However, she remained a laywoman and

never became a nun. She was born in Siena, Italy in 1347 (her house still stands today) and was the 23rd child of

her mother, although many of her siblings had died in the Black Death. She is believed

to have had a vision of Christ, in which he smiled at her at age six, and at age seven,

she vowed a life of chastity. She traveled about Europe as a teacher of the Church, and

also corresponded with Pope Gregory XI, discussing reforms to the clergy and

administration of the Roman Papal States - which the Pope controlled during this time

period. She traveled to Avignon, France where the Popes had resided since 1309 - as a

result of a conflict between Rome and the French King- where she urged Pope Gregory

to return the Papacy to Rome. He was impressed by Catherine’s insistence, and

returned to Rome in 1377, ending the Avignon Papacy. Upon Gregory XI’s death in late

1378, the Western Schism occurred, and two Popes claimed the Papacy. Catherine

supported Pope Urban VI, and she traveled to Rome in an attempt to convince Roman

nobles and the Cardinals of Urban’s legitimacy. She died in Rome in 1380 at age 33.

Many of her correspondences have survived, including letters to Popes Gregory XI and

Urban VI, the kings of France and Hungary, the Queen of Naples, and other prominent

individuals in Italian society. She was canonized by Pope Pius II in 1461 and is patron

of fire protection, nursing, sickness, and Italy. Her feast is April 29th.


Eastern Stained Glass Windows

First Window on St. Joseph’s Side

Michael the Archangel (left panel), is the patron saint of our Church and acts as

the “Warrior of God,” who defends the true faith and protects God’s people. He is best

known for leading the Army of God against Satan’s uprising in the Book of Revelation.

His shield displays “Quis ut Deus,” which is translated to the rhetorical question, “Who

is like God?” This interprets Michael as the symbol of humility before God, because, in

actuality, no one is like God. Pope Leo XIII first encouraged Catholics to pray The

Prayer of St. Michael in 1888; Pope Benedict XVI called upon all Bishops to join

Michael’s Army to combat evil in 2007. Michael’s feast is celebrated on September 29th.

The Guardian Angel (right panel): These angels, in Catholic beliefs, are assigned

to protect specific people or groups; they essentially relay prayers to God on the behalf

of the person they are sent to protect. The traditional prayer to one’s Guardian Angel

is: Angel of God, my guardian dear to whom God’s love commits me here. Ever this

day be at my side to light, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen. The feast of Guardian Angels is October 2nd.

Second Window

The windows above the East Entrance depict various symbols of the Holy

Eucharist. The Chalice with the elevation of the host is depicted in the left

panel, while the right panel displays the exposition of the

Host in the Monstrance for Benediction and adoration.

The window directly above the door shows the Sacred

Heart of Jesus, which represents Jesus’ unending love,

compassion and suffering for humanity.

Third Window

Peter, the Apostle (left panel), was the son of a Galilean fisherman. He was an apostle of

John the Baptist before being called, with his brother Andrew to be an Apostle of Christ. He

was among Jesus’ inner circle and witnessed many of the important events of Jesus’ last years,

such as the Transfiguration. Jesus called upon him to be the leader of His Church on Earth,

calling him “rock.” He became the first Pope– which is why he is depicted as holding the keys

which symbolize the Papacy to this day. He was crucified upside down in Rome around age 67

and he was buried at Vatican Hill, where his remains are still currently located, directly

beneath the High Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. He is patron saint of the Papacy, masons, bakers,

fisherman, bridge builders, as well as locations, such as Marquette, MI; Rome, Las Vegas, and

St. Petersburg, Russia, to name a few. Feast Days: June 29th, February 22nd, & November 18th.


Third Window, continued

Paul, the Apostle (right panel), was an early Christian Missionary. He was originally a Roman

Jew and participated in a group that persecuted early Christians, until the resurrected Christ

appeared to him on the road to Damascus, leaving him blind. Once his sight was restored, he became

one of the most important, early leaders of the Church. His ideas include, redemption through faith

in Christ: Christ is not only the Messiah, but also the eternal Son of God; and Jesus’ Ascension to take

his place at God’s right hand. He is shown holding a sword– symbolizing power and authority, and a

book– symbolizing the Scriptures and Word of God. His feast is celebrated on June 29th and January

25th. He is patron saint of Malta and of Public Relations.

Fourth Window

Fifth Window

Elizabeth of Hungary (left panel), lived from 1207-1231, and was the

daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and niece of St. Hedwig. She married at

age 14, and she and her husband embraced the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, both

believing charitable efforts would bring eternal reward. She was widowed at age

20, when her husband, Ludwig died of the plague; reportedly, she was so upset,

she screamed for days. She and her children were banished by greedy relatives,

however would later be reinstated as Queen and began work with hospices and the

poor. She is patron of bakers, countesses, the homeless, widows, and young

brides. She was canonized in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX; her feast is November 17th.

Therese of Lisieux (right panel), a Carmelite nun, who lived from 1873 to

1897, in France, was known throughout the world for her simplicity and doing the

small things. Many miracles are attributed to her intercession and she authored an

autobiography called Story of a Soul. She is patroness of Russia, aviators, florists,

France and foreign missions. Her feast is celebrated on October 3rd.

John the Evangelist, was one of

the 12 Apostles and became guardian

of Mary after Jesus’ crucifixion. He

wrote the fourth gospel to reinforce

Christ’s divinity, three canonical

letters and the Book of Revelation.

His symbol is the eagle – which

encourages us to look directly at God.

He is patron saint of the Freemasons

and his feast is celebrated December

27th.

Luke the Evangelist,

was a disciple of Paul

and joined him on his Missions. He

authored the third Gospel and Acts of

the Apostles. Women are featured

prominently in his gospel and he is

believed to have been a painter, and

made at least one icon of Our Lady. His

symbol, the Ox, represents the sacrifice

at the temple. Feast: October 18th.


Western Arches (Starting nearest Mary’s Altar)

Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098 as the tenth child of a German family of

nobility. She is believed to have experienced visions at a young age. She was a

scholar, philosopher, and founded monasteries at Rupertsberg and Eibingen. She

also wrote several books on natural history and medicine, including diagnoses of

psychological disorders. Her German descent acts as a symbol of the German roots of

our Parish. She technically was never canonized as a saint, however various Popes,

such as John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have both referred to her as a saint, and she

is included in the Roman Martyrology, which is the official list of saints. Her feast is

celebrated on September 17th.

Francis of Assisi, born in either 1181, or 1182, was the founder of the Franciscan

Order and is considered one of the most venerated Saints in the Roman Catholic

Church, as well as one of the most popular. His order is known for their obedience

and reverence to Church authority, especially the Pope, called the Rule of Francis. In

1224, he received the stigmata, making him the first person to bear the wounds of

Christ from his death on the cross. In the 20th century, many chose to portray Francis

as a nature lover and a hippy of sorts. In actuality he was quite stern. He is the patron

saint of animals and the environment. The dog depicted in the mural is Sorcha, Fr.

Stephen Rooney’s golden retriever, who was around the Parish grounds during his

tenure at St. Michael. Francis died in 1226, singing Psalm 141. His feast is October 4th.

Cardinal John Dearden was the Cardinal Archbishop of Detroit from 1959 to 1980. He was

born in Rhode Island and entered St. Mary’s Seminary in 1925 in Cleveland. In 1948, he was

named Bishop of Pittsburgh, where he earned the title “Iron John,” for his stern style of

administration. When Cardinal Edward Mooney died in 1958, Bishop Dearden was named 2nd

Archbishop of Detroit and he attended all four Vatican Council II meeting in the early 1960s; he

was a strong supporter of Vatican II reforms, for which he was chastised by many. He held the

post of president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, which instituted reforms such

as using English for the Eucharistic Prayer, allowing extraordinary ministers of Holy

Communion, and holding Saturday Night Vigil Mass. He participated in Conclave to elect Popes

John Paul I and John Paul II. His halo is square because he is considered to have lived a holy

life, but has not yet been recognized by the Church. He resigned his post in 1980, and died in

1988 of pancreatic cancer.


Western Arches continued

Briget of Kildare was born in 450 in Dundalk, Ireland. She is nicknamed “Mary

of the Gael,” and is a patron saint of Ireland. She became a nun at a young age and

founded a double abbey at Kildare, for Monks and Nuns, which is why she is

generally depicted as being dressed like a Bishop, complete with Crosier and

Miter. There are many legends attributed to Briget, but it is believed that when

she was being consecrated, the Bishop presiding prayed the prayer to consecrate a

bishop over her when she was taking her vows, rather than the prayer to

consecrate a nun. The cross she holds is made of reeds and is historically hung in

Irish homes and barns for protection. She is patron saint of many things,

some of which include dairy workers, scholars, children whose parents are

unmarried, fugitives, and sailors. Her feast day is celebrated on February 1st.

Francis de Sales born in 1567, in Savoy, what is now part of France, to a

wealthy and noble family. His father sent all six of his children to the best

schools ran by the Jesuits, and upon learning of the idea of predestination,

Francis believed he was damned to hell. Following this incident, he decided

to commit his life to God, however he attended the University of Paris and

the University of Padua, Italy, where he received a law and theology degree.

He became provost of the cathedral in Geneva in 1593; however it was

located in Savoy, since the Calvinists of the Protestant Reformation

maintained control of Geneva. He formed alliances with Pope Clement VIII

and French King Henry IV, and was consecrated Bishop of Geneva in 1602.

He converted many with his persistent patience and gentleness, and he died

on December 28, 1622, in Lyon, France. He was beatified by Pope Alexander

VII in 1661 and canonized in 1664. His feast is celebrated on January 24th

and he is patron saint of writers, journalists, and the deaf. Many

parishioners remember Father Tom O’Neill, a weekend helper at St.

Michael, who was a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.


Western Stained Glass Windows

First Window on Mary’s Side

Christ the King (right panel) The term “Christ the King” is used by many

Christian denominations to revere Jesus Christ on the last Sunday in Ordinary

Time. The Feast Day does not celebrate a specific event, but honors Christ’s

sovereignty over all persons, families, nations and the universe. The name is drawn

from several instances in Scripture, such as “King Eternal,” in 1 Timothy or “King of

the Ages” and “Ruler of the Kings of the Earth” in Revelation. Pope Pius XI

instituted the term “Christ the King” in 1925 to counteract Benito Mussolini’s claim

to earthly supremacy.

Queen of Heaven (left panel), is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary,

coinciding with the belief that following the Assumption, She was crowned the

Queen of Heaven; the Queenship of Mary is celebrated on August 22nd, and was

first instituted in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. Two example of Hymns honoring Mary as

queen include Salve Regina and Regina Coeli.

Second Window

The Old Sacrifice of the Lamb (right panel), is a term used widely in the Old

Testament as a sacrifice for ritual passages. The term “Lamb of God” comes from

the idea that Jesus is the sacrificial lamb. The term “Agnus Dei,” which is widely

used during Lent, translates to “Lamb of God.”

Melchizedek’s Offering (left panel), represents King

Melchizedek of Salem’s offering of bread, wine and a blessing to

Abraham; he is mentioned in the Book of Genesis and is

considered to be foreshadowing the Eucharist, a connection which

was first made in the 3rd century by St. Clement of Alexandria and St. Cyprian.

Third Window

Bernard of Clairvaux (right panel), lived from 1090-1153 as a French Abbot and Doctor. At

age 22, he joined the monastery at Citeaux, and 15 years later, founded the monastery at Clairvaux.

He founded over 60 monasteries in his lifetime; when Pope Honorius II died, a schism occurred in

the Church when two Popes were elected– Pope Innocent II and Pope Anacletus II– Bernard was

chosen to judge between the two rival popes. From 1146 to 1149, Bernard began preaching a Second

Crusade throughout Germany (Bohemia), where Jews were being persecuted, however it failed and

much of the blame fell upon him. He was buried at Clairvaux Monastery until it was destroyed by

the French Revolutionary Government in 1792, when his remains were moved to Troyes, France.

Third Window, continued

Augustine of Hippo (left panel), was a Latin-speaking philosopher and theologian, who was born

in 354, in Thagaste, Numidia, which is now Algeria in Northern Africa. He is considered to be one of

the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity - both Catholicism and

Churches of the Reformations - thanks to his extensive writings. He developed the concepts of

“Original Sin” and “Just War,” and as the Western Roman Empire began to collapse, he developed the

idea of the “City of God.” Even if the earthly city disappeared, the Church and spiritual community

that worshipped God, would continue to exist. He died on August 28, 430, which is also his Feast Day.

He is patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, sore eyes, and many cities, such as St. Augustine,

Florida, which was discovered on his Feast Day, and subsequently named for him.

Fourth Window

Fifth Window

John Baptist Vianney (right panel), lived from 1786-1859. He grew up as a

farm hand, during the French Revolution when religious services were outlawed.

He, and his family practiced Catholicism in secret and at age 19, he began

studying for the priesthood. His studies were, however, interrupted when he was

drafted into Napoleon’s army to fight in Spain. He eventually finished his studies

and in 1815, he was assigned to Ars, a small town in Lyons. He remained there for

the remainder of his life, hearing confessions for up to 16 hours a day. He was

canonized in 1925 and his feast day is August 4th. He is the patron saint of all

priests.

Joan of Arc (left panel), lived from 1412 to 1431, and is considered a heroine

of France. Through Divine guidance, she led the French army to many important

victories during the Hundred Years’ War. She was tried in a corrupt ecclesiastical

court in England, after being captured, and was burned at the stake when she was

19, when the court declared her a heretic. Twenty-five years later, Pope Callixtus

III examined the trial, declared her innocent and a martyr. She was canonized in

1920, and her feast is celebrated on May 30th. Joan of Arc is patron of soldiers

and of France.


Mark the Evangelist, depicted as a

lion, which is a symbol of the

Resurrection, because, according to

legend, a Lion’s cubs are stillborn and

the lion must breathe life into them.

Mark was an apostle of Jesus and the

Church of Alexandria. He is patron of

notaries and his feast is celebrated on

April 25th.

Matthew the Evangelist, is displayed

as a Winged Man, attributed to the

importance of his work, in which he

recorded the genealogy of Jesus in his

gospel. He was a tax collector before

becoming an Apostle of Jesus, and is

patron of accountants, bankers, tax

collectors, and bookkeepers. His feast day

is September 21st.


Windows in the Balcony Frances Xavier Cabrini (right panel, left of the organ) was the first United States

citizen to be canonized as a saint. She was born in 1850, in Lombardy, Italy; took her

religious vows in 1877, and changed her middle name to Xavier in honor of the Jesuit

saint, Francis Xavier. She was put in charge of an orphanage in Codogno, Italy, where she

earned the name Mother Cabrini. In 1880, after her orphanage was closed, she and six

other sisters founded the order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

and, in 1889, she was sent to New York City to work among Italian Immigrants to the

United States. The Sisters opened 0rphanages and hospitals throughout the United

States, Europe, and Latin America. Frances became a U.S. citizen in 1909, and she died

in Chicago, in 1917. Her feast is November 13th and she is patron saint of immigrants,

hospital administrators and orphans.

Kateri Tekakwitha (left panel) lived from 1656 to 1679 and was the daughter of a

Mohawk war-chief and an Algonquin Christian convert in upstate New York. Her name

means “putting things in order,” and, at age 4, when her entire family died of smallpox,

she refused to be married, despite the importance of marriage in her tribe. She was

baptized by a Jesuit priest at age 20, for which she was chastised by many of her tribe’s

members. She ran away to Quebec to live among other Native American converts; she

lived in Quebec until 1680, when she died at age 23. She is patron of Indian Nations, the

environment, and loss of parents, and her feast is celebrated March 25th.

Gregory the Great (right panel) was the Pope from 590 to 604, and is one of only

four saints to be given the title of “the Great.” He was the son of an aristocratic Roman

Senator, however he sold everything to enter the monastery. Upon being elected pope,

he saw himself as “the servant of the servants of God,” stating he was undeserving to

hold the same position as St. Peter. He sent missionaries to England to preach to the

Anglo-Saxons and he instituted a variety of reforms to the liturgy, including the

recitation of the Our Father prior to the breaking of the bread. He is also associated

with church music, including the Gregorian Chant. He is patron saint of the West

Indies, musicians, and teachers, and his feast is celebrated on September 3rd.

Pius X (left panel), was the 257th Pope and served from 1903 to 1914. He was born in

Venitia, the Austrian Empire in 1835 and attended the Seminary at Padua. Upon being

elected Pope, he adopted the phrase “the renewal of all things in Christ” and is known

for a very conservative papacy, including urging daily communion, communion for

children at the “age of discretion” (around 7 years), and reading of the Bible. He spoke

out against the modernist sectors of the Catholic Church, fearing they would attempt to

alter tradition, and he refused to recognize the governments of predominantly Catholic

nations who adopted separation of Church and State laws, such as France. He died in

1914, at the onset of World War I and was canonized in 1954. His feast is August 21st.

Mother Theresa Maxis was born Marie Almaide Maxis Duchemin in 1810 to a British

father and a multi-racial Haitian mother. She was adopted by a wealthy family in Baltimore,

where she received a much better education than most women of the time period. At 19 she

founded the Oblates of Providence, which was the first order of women religious of color in

the world, and in 1845, she left Baltimore for Monroe, Michigan, where she - and four other

sisters - founded Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Hoping to expand, she

opened another mission in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. She hoped to open another

mission in Pennsylvania, but when her request was denied by the Bishop, she voiced her

disappointment and was reprimanded. She was removed as the head of the order and went

into voluntary exile so the IHMs would not be further punished. She died in 1892. The IHM sisters worked at

St. Michael Parish School as their seventh mission. Mother Maxis has not yet been beatified, as denoted by the

square halo.

The feast of St. Peter and Paul is celebrated on June 29th.

Alphonsus Maria Ligouri (above the Priest’s sacristy) was the founder of the Congregation of

the Most Holy Redeemer, or the Redemptorists. He was a Bishop in Naples, Italy and originally

studied and practiced law. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839 and later named a

Doctor of the Church for his writings on the Sacrament of Confession, Mariology, and moral

theology. His feast is celebrated on August 1st. He is patron of theologians.

St. Michael the Archangel Parish was founded by the Redemptorists, and the first pastors of the

parish were from the Redemptorist order. The Redemptorists first arrived in Monroe with

Mother Maxis, and as more Germans entered the region, the need for a new Church was

imminent. As we know, 1852 marks the establishment of St. Michael. However, in 1854, the

Redemptorists left St. Michael, when it was deemed un-self sustainable. The assistant priest from nearby St. Mary

Parish took over, and St. Michael flourished in the following years.


Over the Sacristies

Peter, the Apostle:

He is depicted holding the keys to

the Kingdom.

St. Peter’s full biography is in the

Profile of the Eastern Stained Glass

Windows

Paul, the Apostle:

He is depicted with a two-edged

sword, representing the World of

God.

St. Paul’s full biography is in the

Profile of the Eastern Stained Glass

Windows

st. michael the archangel hurch 502 west front street ......st. michael the archangel hurch 502 west...

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